CHURCHES in Watchet are joining forces to invite townspeople to supper parties in order to introduce residents to the Alpha course, which explores the meaning of life.

The suppers will not only be held in churches but also in halls, pubs and restaurants and in people's homes during September.

Christian Research estimates that 1.3 million people across the UK have already taken part in local Alpha courses and Watchet is joining 7,300 churches of all denominations in a major advertising campaign.

The Alpha course is a practical introduction to the Christian faith and provides a relaxed and informal opportunity for the participants to make up their own mind about Christianity.

The scheme comprises one meeting a week for ten weeks and has become increasingly popular in Britain over the past six years.

Local Alpha course co-ordinator Iorwerth Jones said: "Alpha is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to investigate the Christian faith and to look for answers to life's big questions."

Alpha was devised in this country and supported by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and is now running in 23,600 churches and 132 countries around the world.

The Rev Nicky Gumbel, who presents the Alpha material, said: "We have heard so many wonderful stories of people, many of them young, whose lives have been changed by God through the Alpha course in churches of all denominations throughout the country."

Anyone who would like more information should contact Iorwerth Jones on 01984 632361.